Where should my session take place?
This is totally up to you! I am an on-location photographer, so I will travel to the spot where you would like to use for your photos. I find that using a place that is personal to you often works best, though I also have some suggestions I can share if you are stumped.
What is the best time or weather conditions for an outdoor shoot?
The best time on a nice sunny day is 2 hours before sunset or 2 hours after sunrise (yikes!), particularly if we will be shooting in open areas (such as a field or the beach). If it’s a cloudy day anytime will work well, as those dreary overcast days act as a natural diffuser for a nice soft light all over.
What should we wear?
This is a tricky one, as there is no easy “one-size-fits-all” answer (and different photographers will tell you different things, based on their own style). But here’s my take on it: wear something that you feel FABULOUS in, and still makes you look and feel like YOU…. as these pictures are intended to capture you as you really are in this moment in time. If your main goal is to walk away with BIG images for your wall, you might even consider coordinating the color of your outfits to the decor of that room. If there are several people being photographed (ex: a family or couple shoot), please coordinate your outfit, but don’t feel like you must match. What I mean by this is that everyone should be at the same level of “dressiness”… you don’t want one person looking like a beach bum while another looks like they’re heading out for a night on the town. A good rule of thumb: if you were to look at your outfits together, they should look like they could have come from the same store catalog. Layering is an easy way to get different looks. And don’t be afraid to play with color and accessories. Need some more help? I highly recommend contacting Nicole Longstreath of The Wardrobe Code and utilizing her personalized in-home wardrobe planning services.
When is the best time to schedule newborn photographs?
It’s best to photograph newborn babies before they are 2 weeks old. If possible, you will want to book your newborn session before baby is born so that it’s not something you have to think about as a new parent. If you miss this timeframe, we can still capture pictures of your wee one, but it will be less and less likely we’ll be able to capture those sleeping images you might be seeking.
Can you retouch scars, wrinkles and acne?
Yes, and my clients love this extra service. Your final images already include basic edits such as color/contrast corrections, skin softening, eye-brightening and stylized color, but additional editing is available at the rate of $60/hour, and is perfect if you’d like a little extra detailing done (such as removing background elements, retouching blemishes, braces, scars, etc.).
When will my photos be ready?
Your images will be available for your viewing session within two weeks after your photos are taken. Final print orders will be ready within 1-2 weeks after ordering, with custom creations (such as fine art books and albums) taking a few extra weeks to complete.
How do I place my order?
Most sessions include an in-person ordering session, which will take place 2-3 weeks after your portrait session. (The date is chosen at that same time that your portrait session is booked). Orders will be taken at that time. For mini-session clients, images will be placed into a password-protected online gallery, and an email will be sent to client when that gallery is ready to be viewed, and client will have 2 weeks to view their images and place their order with me (via the attached shopping cart). Custom payment plans are available and can be discussed ahead of time or at the time the order is placed.
Do you archive session image files?
Your session images will be kept on file for one year. After that time, your images will be purged from my system in order to make room for new clients.
What are your prices?
Portrait session fees vary between $175 – $325+ depending on the type of session you would like. In most cases, prints, digital images and other products are sold separately, with gift prints starting at $25, books beginning at $375 and my most popular item… the “digital playground” package… being priced at $525 . There is a minimum order requirement of $200 for all sessions in addition to the session fee (excluding mini-sessions). Custom payment plans are available for your convenience. For detailed pricing information, simply click on the “let’s talk” link at the top of this site and fill out the form, or send an email directly to me at: michelle@theSuitcaseStudio.com.
What does my session fee pay for?
The portrait session fee pays for my time and talent in planning the session, photographing the session, post production work, and your order session.
Why are your prices so high?
I am not a chain store or a “shoot-and-burn” photographer; I am a professional custom lifestyle portrait photographer. My prices reflect my time spent and expertise at what I do. Although your session may only last 1-2 hours, I put in an average of 15+ hours from beginning to end per session. I am a legitimate business as well, which includes me paying for membership to the Professional Photographers Association and Wedding & Portrait Photographers International, taxes, insurance, professional equipment, learning opportunities and so much more.
Can I post a picture to Facebook?
In most cases, I will be posting a few select images from your session online (in my blog and/or on Facebook). Feel free to tag yourself and share these. However, no cropping is allowed and my logo/watermark MUST remain visible at all times. If you purchase digital images from me, you are issued a print/usage release which grants you the right to share the images online without any logo of mine being present.
Why don’t you give a copyright release?
I retain the copyright to all images produced. However, with all digital image purchases, I do issue a print/usage release which allows you to print your images and share them online for personal use.
What equipment do you use?
My main camera is a Canon EOS 5D Mark II, and I also carry a Canon 50D backup camera. The lenses I use most often are the Canon 50mm (f/1.4), Canon 24-70 (f/2.8) and Canon 85 (f/1.2). When called for, I also use a Canon speedlite 580ii external flash, as well as a reflector/diffuser.
Are you insured?
Yes, I am. I carry liability insurance, as well as equipment insurance. This not only ensures that I am up to code with current business requirements, but also allows me to work with higher-end venues and secure any permits as needed.